Putin Shrugs Off Trump’s 50-Day Ukraine Ultimatum/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian officials brushed off President Donald Trump’s 50-day ultimatum demanding an end to the war in Ukraine or face steep tariffs. While NATO and some European leaders welcomed Trump’s assertive stance, others questioned the timeline’s effectiveness amid ongoing violence. Kyiv’s mayor expressed concerns about delaying further action.
Ukraine Ultimatum Quick Looks
- Trump issues 50-day deadline for Putin to end Ukraine war
- Kremlin’s Medvedev says “Russia didn’t care” about threat
- Trump warns of 100% tariffs if Russia fails to comply
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backs new arms package
- EU’s Kaja Kallas praises stance but questions 50-day delay
- Kyiv Mayor Klitschko fears more casualties during waiting period
- Trump frustrated after multiple failed negotiations with Putin
- Kremlin silent on official response from Putin himself
Deep Look
Putin Silent as Kremlin Dismisses Trump’s 50-Day Ultimatum to End Ukraine War, Drawing Mixed Global Reactions
WASHINGTON (Fox News) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to publicly respond to President Donald Trump’s latest high-stakes ultimatum demanding Moscow end its invasion of Ukraine within 50 days or face severe economic repercussions. Meanwhile, top Kremlin officials and European leaders offered starkly contrasting reactions, exposing divisions over how to pressure Russia into peace.
The ultimatum, announced jointly Monday by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, threatens to impose sweeping 100% tariffs on Russian goods if the Kremlin refuses to halt its military offensive in Ukraine. The announcement marks one of Trump’s most aggressive policy statements toward Russia since returning to office and underscores mounting frustration over Putin’s repeated delays in negotiating peace.
Kremlin Shrugs Off Threats
While Putin himself remained publicly silent, former Russian President and current Deputy Chair of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev offered Moscow’s first pointed response on social media.
“Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences,” Medvedev posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care.”
Medvedev’s comments suggested Russia views Trump’s deadline as political theater rather than a genuine threat capable of shifting Kremlin policy.
Mixed European Response
Reactions across Europe were divided. EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, welcomed Trump’s renewed pressure on Moscow but questioned the length of the timeline given Russia’s ongoing attacks against civilians.
“On the one hand, it is very positive that President Trump is taking a strong stance on Russia,” Kallas told reporters in Brussels. “On the other hand, 50 days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians every day.”
Kallas stressed that while diplomatic efforts are crucial, Western nations—including the U.S.—must keep providing Ukraine with military support to protect civilian lives and maintain pressure on Moscow.
“It is clear that we all need to put more pressure on Russia so that they would also want peace,” she said. “It is good that the Americans are making the steps, and I hope that they are also giving military aid like Europeans are giving.”
Ukrainian Leaders Want Urgency
Ukrainian leaders expressed deep skepticism about the delay. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko praised American support but questioned why Putin was being granted nearly two months to comply.
“I’m happy about the wave of support from the U.S.,” Klitschko told German news outlet ARD. “But on the other hand, I do not understand why Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is being given 50 days.”
“In 50 days, many more people could be killed in the capital and, throughout Ukraine, many more buildings could be damaged,” he said. “Therefore, why such a delay?”
Klitschko’s comments reflect growing anxiety in Ukraine that any pause in diplomatic or military pressure could embolden the Kremlin to continue its relentless strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Trump’s Frustration With Putin
\Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump revealed his personal frustration after several rounds of seemingly productive talks with Putin failed to yield results. He described having multiple phone conversations in which he believed peace was imminent, only for Russia to resume attacks shortly afterward.
“I speak to him a lot about getting this thing done, and I always hang up saying, ‘Well, that was a nice phone call,’ and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city, and I’d say ‘strange,’” Trump recounted.
“And after that happens three or four times, you say, the talk doesn’t mean anything.”
NATO’s Expanded Role
Alongside the ultimatum, Trump and NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a new arms package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defenses. Rutte called the move “logical” and a necessary response to Russia’s continued aggression.
Trump’s 50-day timeline adds significant pressure on both NATO allies and Ukraine’s government to prepare for potential economic and military escalations should the Kremlin defy the ultimatum.
Potential Economic Fallout
Experts warn that implementing 100% tariffs on Russian exports would deal a severe blow to Russia’s economy but could also have ripple effects on global markets, particularly in energy and commodities. European leaders are reportedly discussing contingency plans should Trump’s ultimatum become reality.
Looking Ahead
Whether Putin will publicly acknowledge or respond to Trump’s ultimatum remains uncertain. However, Kremlin insiders suggest that Moscow views threats of economic punishment as unlikely to deter its strategic goals in Ukraine.
As Ukraine braces for further attacks and diplomatic tensions rise, Western nations face a delicate balance between ramping up pressure and avoiding escalation into broader conflict.
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